The Ugliness of Sacrifice

The Ugliness of Sacrifice by Missionary to Mid East

Yesterday was the first day of Eid al Adha, the Muslim festival celebrated 40 days after the end of Ramadan. Adha means sacrifice and it commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son.

Everywhere we looked there were makeshift butcher shops under brightly colored tents as Muslims in the neighborhood flocked to buy whatever form of meat they could afford. Whatever they buy, sheep, goat, cow, or camel, they are to give 1/3 to a neighbor, 1/3 to the poor and keep 1/3 for themselves. This is a beautiful picture of the communal nature of the Muslim culture. One cares for the good of the whole, not just himself.

As our sweet toddler slept, we stopped to observe the ritual of the killing the animal. An imam prays a prayer of thanksgiving and the throat is cut. Then, in this instance, the animal was left as the blood drains from its body. The blood pours out covering the ground as it writhes in agony. At other places, the butcher holds the animal down helping the blood pour out and quickening the death. Once it has died, the animal is butchered and the happy family takes it home to begin their festivities.

The blood poured. As we watched, similar memories of other places I’ve lived during past Eid al Adhas flashed before my eyes. So much blood.

Then as I continued to watch this helpless animal it evoked a different line of thinking.

One of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. John 19:34

The morning of this particular event I had been reading about the death of Jesus in the book of Luke during my quiet time. I read it slowly, soaking in the words. Even so, the carnage that was a crucifixion is so foreign to my modern mind it’s hard for me to fully grasp. I sing about the sacrifice of Christ. I acknowledge it somberly on Good Friday. I know it happened. I know that sacrifice created a way for me to know God. I know it was bloody and ugly and painful.

But then again, I don’t.

Then I watch an innocent animal slaughtered, its blood pouring out, writhing in pain. I observe the family who purchased the animal as they watch all the carnage waiting in anticipation to take home the meat. I watch as the butcher stomps through the mud created from the blood of the animals. That animal’s agony is the family’s reward. That animal’s sacrifice will be the sustenance for those eating him.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, ” Take and eat; this is my body.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 26:27-28

Sacrifice is ugly. It’s painful. It’s grotesque.

It is also beautiful because it is full of grace.

The animal sacrificed yesterday gave his life so that family, a neighbor, and a poor family could eat. That is a worthy sacrifice.

Our Lord sacrificed himself so that we might have the opportunity to be in relationship with God. That is the most worthy sacrifice.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

Our culture demands that we choose what is easy. It says we shouldn’t have to sacrifice. We should alleviate all pain. Life should always be happy and fun.

The Lord, however, asks us to sacrifice.

And sacrifice is painful and ugly. It means we lay down what we want for what the Lord wants. Because what the Lord wants is for the good of all and for His glory. It is beautifully communal and full of grace.

No one wants to sacrifice. Even Jesus didn’t.

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me…" Luke 22:42

Jesus knew his sacrifice would be painful. It would be physically painful. But more importantly, it would be spiritually painful as he took on the sins of the world and as a result was separated from God. But Jesus didn’t stop there.

"...yet not my will, but yours be done." Luke 22:42

May we, like Jesus, choose to sacrifice. Even when it’s hard. Even when it’s painful. Even when it seems senseless. Because as we sacrifice, we join with Jesus is saying, “not my will, but yours be done.”

In so doing, we acknowledge that God has a gigantic, amazing plan that brings people from every tongue together for His worship and glory. Let it be, Lord.

Sacrifice may be ugly, but it is also so beautiful.